Died On This Date (November 12, 1997) Rainer Ptacek / Guitar Great
themusicsover Rainer Ptacek
June 7, 1951 – November 12, 1997
Rainer Ptacek was one of those rare breeds that was known as a “musician’s musician.” As a guitarist he developed the ability to use loops, picking, the slide and other such manipulations to raise him above his peers. Guitar gods no less than Jimmy Page and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons held Ptacek in the highest regard. He released several albums during his 20+ year career. Rainer Ptacek learned he had a brain tumor and lymphoma in early 1996 prompting Robert Plant and fellow guitarist, Howe Gelb to arrange benefits to help with medical bills. Ptacek, 46, succumbed to the disease in November of 1997.